Allen becomes GM of Buccaneers

TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 9 (UPI) -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have named Bruce Allen as their new general manager.

Allen, the son of Hall of Fame coach George Allen, spent the last nine years in the Oakland Raiders' front office. He had the title of senior assistant last season and was the team's salary cap manager and dealmaker with free agents.

The Bucs had a front office void to fill since long-time GM Rich McKay resigned last month over philosophical differences with Coach Jon Gruden. McKay later was named GM of the Atlanta Falcons.

The move to Tampa Bay reunites Allen with Gruden after the two worked together with the Raiders for four seasons.

The Tampa Tribune reported Friday that team owner Malcolm Glazer tabbed Allen in part to comply with the wishes of Gruden, who said Allen was his first choice.

Gruden reportedly will have more authority over personnel decisions and the draft than he had in the past. Allen is expected to handle contract negotiations and manage the salary cap.

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